3 POLITICAL EVENTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

September 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Political wonks, mark your calendars! Three major political events are slated for September 16th.

La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosts a forum for La Mesa mayoral and council candidates. East County Democratic Club has a forum on ballot initiatives plus state legislative and Congressional candidates. In addition, the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club has candidates for legislature, school boards, and more.

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce has invited all candidates running for mayor and city council to share their views in a free public forum on Thursday, September 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Gary Clasen, a La Mesa business owner and leader, will serve as moderator. All candidates have been invited. Mayor Art Madrid and challenger Laura Lothian have both accepted, along with five of six Council candidates thus far: incumbens Mark Arapostathis and Ernie Ewin, as well as challengers Patrick Dean, Kevin Rynearson and Ian Shiff. The debate is free and open to the public, however RSVPs are requested by September 13th to assure enough chairs and refreshments. RSVP to: rsvp@lamesachamber.com or 619-465-7700.

The East County Democratic Club will feature Democratic candidates including 52nd Congressional district candidate Ray Lutz, 77th Assembly candidate Mark Hanson, and 36th state Senate candidate Paul Clay. In addition, presentations will be given on ballot propositions. The meeting is held at Coco’s Restaurant, 1025 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. Dinner and socializing are at 6, with program starting at 8 p.m.

In the southeast portion of the County, the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club also meets on Thursday September 16th in the Bonita Library (4375 Bonita Road) starting at 6:30 for refreshments/socializing, with the program at 7 p.m. Assemblyman Marty Block will present the latest news from Sacramento. In addition, a candidate forum will include Juan Vargas, 40th State Senate seat, David Butler, County Assessor/Recorder, Terri Valladolid, Southwestern College Board seat #2, Jessica Saenz-Gonzales, Southwestern College Board #2, Norma Hernandez, Southwestern College Board #4, Yolanda Salcido, Southwestern College Board #4, Tim Nader, Southwestern College Board #5, Mona Rios, National City Council, Nick Segura, Chula Vista Elementary #5, and Francisco Sevilla, Chula Vista Elementary #3.